The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has released draft guidelines aimed at encouraging colleges and universities to develop courses that introduce students to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). The guidelines propose that every student enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme should take credit courses in IKS, amounting to at least five per cent of the total mandated credits required to obtain a degree.
The IKS is defined as the systematized disciplines of knowledge developed to a high degree of sophistication in India from ancient times and all of the traditions and practises that the various communities of India have evolved, refined, and preserved over generations. The incorporation of ancient texts in the Armed Forces is also being discussed. The Indian Army has been studying the relevance of ancient scriptures to modern warfare, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) emphasised using the vast repository of ancient knowledge available to enhance current strategic thinking.
Significance of IKS
Identity: Knowledge of IKS helps young Indians feel connected to their heritage, strengthening their sense of identity.
Culture: The prevailing knowledge and literary traditions play a significant role in shaping culture. If the underlying knowledge systems are abruptly withdrawn from society, the cultural practices will be rudely jolted.
Received Wisdom: Ancient knowledge plays a valuable role in ‘received wisdom’. This is the continuity of thoughts and ideas passed down by previous generations. This knowledge encourages the creation of new ideas and innovation.
Economic Value: The current global economy puts greater emphasis on knowledge. The economic value of knowledge is evident from global intellectual property rights regulations and patent laws. Therefore, the ancient knowledge system will be beneficial to India, where there is a wealth of ancient scientific knowledge.
Status of Incorporation of Ancient Texts in the Armed Forces
The Indian Army has been at the forefront of incorporating ancient texts into modern warfare strategies. Indigenous strategic thoughts and art of war found in the Arthaśāstra, Mahabharata, and other literature are not only organic to Indian psyche but also relevant even in today’s context. The relevance of Manusmriti, which deals with statecraft, organization, and function of the army and description of forts; firearms in the Shukraniti, authored by sage Shukracharya; and the Puranas like Agni Purana, Brahma Purana and Brahmanda Purana, which deal with diplomacy and warfare, are being discussed.
The COAS has emphasised using the vast repository of ancient knowledge available, which could enhance current strategic thinking.
Why In News
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has recently proposed guidelines for incorporating Indian knowledge systems in higher education curricula, including the study of plastic surgery as described in the ancient Sanskrit text Sushruta-Samhita and Vedic astronomy. The draft guidelines aim to introduce students to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and encourage the study of IKS by requiring every student enrolled in a UG or PG programme to take credit courses in IKS amounting to at least five per cent of the total mandated credits to obtain a degree.
MCQs about Knowledge Systems in India
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According to the draft guidelines of the University Grants Commission, what percentage of total mandated credits must students take in Indian Knowledge System (IKS) courses?
A. At least five percent
B. Exactly ten percent
C. At least fifteen percent
D. Exactly twenty percent
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What is the primary significance of studying Indian Knowledge System (IKS)?
A. Strengthening our sense of identity
B. Preparing students for global job markets
C. Promoting Western knowledge systems
D. Eliminating traditional practices
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What is the status of the incorporation of ancient texts in the Indian Armed Forces?
A. The Indian Army has not explored the relevance of ancient scriptures to modern warfare.
B. The Indian Army has incorporated ancient texts exclusively from Western cultures.
C. The Indian Army has studied the relevance of ancient scriptures to modern warfare.
D. The Indian Army has discouraged the study of ancient texts altogether.
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What does the Indian education system’s flawed curricula often do?
A. Emphasize ancient Indian knowledge and scientific achievements
B. Subvert the projection of ancient Indian knowledge and scientific achievements
C. Highlight the achievements of Western cultures exclusively
D. Promote India’s scientific and technological advancements
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